The Rarest Badges in the U.S. Army

The U.S. Army has numerous badges and awards to recognize and honor service members for their exceptional achievements and specialized skills. However, some of these awards and badges are incredibly rare, with only a handful of recipients over the years. In this article, we will explore some of the rarest badges and their unique criteria.

The Astronaut Badge

The least awarded badge in the U.S. Army is the Astronaut Badge, which is bestowed upon soldiers who have either completed a space mission or participated in the U.S. Army's space program. Given the limited number of space missions and the stringent requirements, this badge is one of the most rare in the military.

While other badges like the Combat Action Badge (CAB) and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) are more commonly awarded due to their combat-related nature, and badges like the Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab are more prevalent due to their specialized training, the Astronaut Badge stands out for its unique criteria and scarcity.

The Combat Medical Badge (3rd Award)

Another extremely rare badge is the Combat Medical Badge (CMB), for which only two recipients have been awarded in the third instance. This badge is awarded to medics who have performed exceptionally under combat conditions.

The Military Horseman Badge

The Military Horseman Badge, introduced on September 29, 2017, is another badge that is incredibly difficult to obtain. To earn this badge, soldiers must meet the following criteria:

Be assigned to the 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. Succeed in the nine-week Basic Horsemanship Course. Serve honorably for nine months on the US Army Caisson Platoon, 3rd US Infantry. Participate in 100 Armed Forces Full Honors Funerals inside Arlington National Cemetery. Be recommended by the commander of the 1st Battalion, 3rd US Infantry.

The Military Horseman Badge has a precedence between the Tomb Guard Identification Badge (also rarely awarded) and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

Other Rare Badges

Other rare badges include the Tomb Guard ID Badge and the Vice Presidential Service Badge. The Tomb Guard ID Badge is awarded to those who serve as Tomb Sentinels at Arlington National Cemetery, and the Vice Presidential Service Badge is presented to those who have provided detailed military support during Vice Presidential visits and ceremonial events.

Conclusion

The rarest badges in the U.S. Army are a testament to the exceptional achievements and unique contributions of those who manage to obtain them. From the chilly rigors of space to the serene and solemn courtesies of Arlington National Cemetery, these badges symbolize the highest levels of dedication and service.